March Trivia: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About This Month’s Holidays and History

March has officially arrived, ushering in a month filled with fascinating history and celebrations. Let’s take a deep dive into the lesser-known aspects of March, from peculiar traditions to historical anecdotes that you might not have encountered before.

1. The Origin of March's Name

March was named after Mars, the Roman god of war. This month was originally the first month in the ancient Roman calendar, a logical start to the calendar year with its association to Mars, epitomizing the commencement of military campaigns. An intriguing fact is that March was considered an era of new beginnings and repurposing, which we now echo with our modern spring-cleaning rituals.

2. Why March is Women's History Month

Celebrated since the 1980s, Women’s History Month in March is a dedication to recognizing the contributions of women in culture, society, and history. This observance traces back to a single day in 1908 when thousands of women marched in New York City demanding better labor laws and voting rights, propelling it into a wider recognition and eventually what we commemorate today.

3. Saint Patrick's Day – Beyond the Green

Saint Patrick’s Day on March 17, commemorates the patron saint of Ireland. Beyond the excitable parades and profusion of green apparel, did you know there’s a legend that accounts St. Patrick for driving all the snakes out of Ireland? While the truth is more about ridding the land of metaphorical serpents, the symbolization endures, contributing to the holiday’s mystique.

4. The Ides of March - More than a Doom's Day

The Ides of March, falling on March 15, carries a reputation owing much to the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE. However, historically, the Ides weren’t terrible– they were a time for settling debts and conducting religious observances in Rome. So, rather than a day of ominous foreboding, they were originally seen as elements of routine civic life.

5. Holi – The Festival of Colors

Celebrated mainly in India, Holi marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. Known as the Festival of Colors, this vibrant holiday, typically occurring in March, involves joyous celebrations with colored powders, music, and dance. Rakshasi Holika’s defeat signifies the victory of good over evil, adding a layer of significance to the colorful revelry.

March is indeed more than just melting snow and flowering buds. As we turn the pages of history and explore the cultural layer of this month’s holidays, there’s so much to learn and appreciate about the seemingly simple third month of the year.